Shedding is common with some dog breeds, but if you experience more shedding than usual or hair coming out in clumps, leaving behind bald patches, that’s a sign that something is amiss. Whether your dog is suffering from a skin allergy that’s increasing itchiness or an underlying condition causing hair loss, it’s important to consult with your vet.
There are many potential causes of hair loss. Depending on the cause, diet can help to control the symptoms. Here are our picks and reviews for the best dog foods for hair loss, but you should always discuss dietary changes with your vet.
A Quick Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe (Fresh Dog Food Subscription)
Convenient subscription
High-quality beef and fish oil
Customized recipes
Click to Save 50%
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Best Value
American Journey Active Life Formula
Deboned salmon as first ingredient
Promotes skin and coat health
No byproduct, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
Check Price
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream
Salmon as first ingredient
Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
No wheat, fillers, or artificial ingredients
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Real salmon for DHA
Probiotics
Vitamin A and sunflower oil
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Contains salmon with fatty acids
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Designed to promote skin and coat health
Check Price
The 8 Best Dog Foods for Hair Loss
1. The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver
Protein content 39%
Fat content 29%
Calories 721 kcal/pound
The Farmer’s Dog beef recipe is the best overall dog food for hair loss. Made with high-quality beef instead of chicken, which is a common source of skin allergies in dogs, this recipe boasts the second-highest protein content and includes fish oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for joint and skin health. All recipes are formulated by a team of veterinary specialists board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
Though beef is our pick, the company also offers pork, chicken, and turkey, and each recipe is formulated for your specific dog’s size, age, and activity level. It’s only available through a subscription, however, and it can get expensive.
Pros
Convenient subscription
High-quality beef and fish oil
Customized recipes
Cons
Subscription may not be ideal for everyone
Expensive
American Journey Active Life Formula is the best dog food for hair loss for the money. This value-packed recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition with deboned salmon as the first ingredient and nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs get plenty of nutrients and antioxidants for a healthy immune system and skin and coat health.
Convenient subscription
High-quality beef and fish oil
Customized recipes
- Convenient subscription
- High-quality beef and fish oil
- Customized recipes
Subscription may not be ideal for everyone
Expensive
- Subscription may not be ideal for everyone
- Expensive
Main ingredients Deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, peas, rice bran, chicken fat
Protein content 25.00%
Fat content 15.00%
Calories 345 kcal/cup
Check Price on Chewy
This formula is made without wheat, soy, poultry byproduct, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives. There’s also easy-to-digest grain sources like brown rice and barley. Some reviewers noted a stark difference in skin and coat health, but some objected to the high sodium content.
Pros
Deboned salmon as first ingredient
Promotes skin and coat health
No byproduct, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
Cons
High sodium content
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is our premium choice for a dog food for hair loss. Crafted with smoke-flavored, roasted, and fresh meats and fish combined with ancient grains, this recipe offers the protein your dog needs along with superfoods and fatty acids for skin and coat health. It also contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics for overall health and wellness.
Deboned salmon as first ingredient
Promotes skin and coat health
No byproduct, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
- Deboned salmon as first ingredient
- Promotes skin and coat health
- No byproduct, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
High sodium content
- High sodium content
Main ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, grain sorghum, millet, cracked pearled barley, dried yeast, canola oil
Protein content 30.00%
Fat content 15.00%
Calories 413 kcal/cup
All Taste of the Wild foods are made in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources. There’s no chicken in the recipe, which is a common source of allergies in dogs. The food is also free from wheat, fillers, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Some reviewers experienced quality control issues.
Pros
Salmon as first ingredient
Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
No wheat, fillers, or artificial ingredients
Cons
Quality control issues
Purina Pro Plan Development Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice with Probiotics Large Breed Puppy Food offers a good start for puppies that may be prone to skin issues. Real salmon is the primary ingredient, followed by rice for good digestion. The recipe contains live probiotics to support immune and digestive health, as well as vitamin A and sunflower oil for a healthy coat and skin.
Salmon as first ingredient
Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
No wheat, fillers, or artificial ingredients
- Salmon as first ingredient
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- No wheat, fillers, or artificial ingredients
Quality control issues
- Quality control issues
Main ingredients Salmon, rice, barley, fish meal, canola meal, oat meal, dried yeast, pea protein
Protein content 28.00%
Fat content 13.00%
Calories 417 kcal/cup
Like other Purina recipes, this puppy food is made in the US in Purina-owned facilities and free from wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and colors. Reviewers saw good results with their pups, but some wouldn’t eat the food. It’s also expensive.
Pros
Real salmon for DHA
Probiotics
Vitamin A and sunflower oil
Cons
Expensive
Some dogs don’t like it
Purina Pro Plan Select Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food is the vet’s choice for the best dog food for hair loss. The recipe contains salmon loaded with DHA, an omega fatty acid that promotes cognitive development and ingredients to reduce skin-irritating food allergies. The omega fatty acids also promote healthy skin and coats to reduce skin sensitivities and prevent hair loss. All Purina Pro Plan foods are made in Purina-owned USA facilities and made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Some dogs did well with this formula, but others didn’t enjoy eating it. The food is also a little pricey.
Real salmon for DHA
Probiotics
Vitamin A and sunflower oil
- Real salmon for DHA
- Probiotics
- Vitamin A and sunflower oil
Expensive
Some dogs don’t like it
- Expensive
- Some dogs don’t like it
Main ingredients Water for processing, salmon, rice, fish, protein, corn oil, carrots, inulin
Protein content 7.00%
Fat content 5.00%
Calories 467 kcal/can
Pros
Contains salmon with fatty acids
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Designed to promote skin and coat health
Cons
Pricey
Some dogs don’t like the smell or texture
Zignature Select Cuts Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Formula features real trout from Idaho and oats and millet from the Midwestern US and Canada. Trout and salmon are the first ingredients and a source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. There are also no common allergens, like chicken, eggs, tapioca, potatoes, wheat, or soy.
Contains salmon with fatty acids
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Designed to promote skin and coat health
- Contains salmon with fatty acids
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Designed to promote skin and coat health
Pricey
Some dogs don’t like the smell or texture
- Pricey
- Some dogs don’t like the smell or texture
Main ingredients Trout, salmon meal, oats, millet, natural flavors, sunflower oil, sunflower meal, potassium chloride
Protein content 28.00%
Fat content 15.00%
Calories 376 kcal/cup
All Zignature foods are made in the US and sourced from trusted farmers and growers in the US and Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or France. Though some reviewers had a good response, many noted that Zignature seemed to have changed the recipe recently and their dogs no longer wanted the food. It’s also quite expensive.
Pros
Trout and salmon as first ingredients
No common allergens
Sourced from trusted farmers and growers
Cons
Expensive
Formula may have changed
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good option for dogs that have food-related skin sensitivities. Wild-caught salmon is the first ingredient, followed by whole-food fruits and vegetables like peas, lentils, pumpkin, blueberry, and papaya. It also has K9 Strain Proprietary probiotics for digestive support.
Trout and salmon as first ingredients
No common allergens
Sourced from trusted farmers and growers
- Trout and salmon as first ingredients
- No common allergens
- Sourced from trusted farmers and growers
Expensive
Formula may have changed
- Expensive
- Formula may have changed
Main ingredients Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas, pea flour
Protein content 25.00%
Fat content 14.00%
Calories 408 kcal/cup
Formulated for all life stages, this recipe is nutrient-rich and designed to support skin and coat health. There’s no wheat or artificial flavors or colors to limit allergens. Diamond foods are made in the US with quality ingredients from domestic and global sources. Some reviewers struggled to get their dogs to eat this food, however.
Pros
Wild-caught salmon
Whole fruits and vegetables
Made in the US
Cons
Picky dogs may not like it
Blackwood 5000 Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula offers easy-to-digest ingredients, including all-natural catfish protein for skin and coat health. Probiotics are also included to help with digestion. The rest of the formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance.
Wild-caught salmon
Whole fruits and vegetables
Made in the US
- Wild-caught salmon
- Whole fruits and vegetables
- Made in the US
Picky dogs may not like it
- Picky dogs may not like it
Main ingredients Catfish meal, pearled barley, oat groats, millet, ground grain sorghum
Protein content 23.00%
Fat content 12.00%
Calories 410 kcal/cup
Each recipe is cooked in small batches in the US. Ingredients are sourced from in the US as much as possible, but some come from Canada, New Zealand, or other trusted suppliers in other countries. Reviewers saw relief of their dogs’ skin issues, but some mentioned that the food gave their dogs bad gas. The price has also been increasing, leading some to switch foods.
Pros
Catfish meal
Probiotics
Cons
May cause gas
Price hikes
Hair Loss in Dogs
Dogs shed naturally, but they shouldn’t shed to the point of noticeable bald spots or clumps of hair on the floor.
Catfish meal
Probiotics
- Catfish meal
- Probiotics
May cause gas
Price hikes
- May cause gas
- Price hikes
If you see excessive hair loss, it’s important to determine the cause. Here are some common reasons:
Allergies: Allergies can trigger itching and cause dogs to lick and bite, eventually losing hair in the irritated areas.
Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s Disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that causes an overproduction of cortisol. The condition is very treatable, fortunately. Along with hair loss, Cushing’s may have symptoms like eating and drinking more, panting, and having a pot-bellied appearance.
Genetics: Some breeds are prone to bald spots, such as dogs with short, thin coats like Chihuahuas, Whippets, Greyhounds, and Dachshunds. These bald spots are typically benign.
Skin infection: Parasites and infections can lead to hair loss, including mites, ringworm, and mange. If this is the case, it’s important to seek treatment from your vet.
Rashes: Dogs can break out in a rash or hives from insect bites, medications, or other environmental irritants.
Pressure sores: Older dogs or overweight dogs can get pressure sores from bony body parts that contact hard surfaces, such as the elbow. The consistent pressure creates a callous, which causes the skin to thicken and the hair to fall out.
When to See a Vet:
If you’re not sure what’s causing the hair loss in your dog, it’s important to make an appointment with your vet. Diet alone can’t reverse hair loss, and you need to know what the cause is to address it effectively.
Allergies: Allergies can trigger itching and cause dogs to lick and bite, eventually losing hair in the irritated areas.
Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s Disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that causes an overproduction of cortisol. The condition is very treatable, fortunately. Along with hair loss, Cushing’s may have symptoms like eating and drinking more, panting, and having a pot-bellied appearance.
Genetics: Some breeds are prone to bald spots, such as dogs with short, thin coats like Chihuahuas, Whippets, Greyhounds, and Dachshunds. These bald spots are typically benign.
Skin infection: Parasites and infections can lead to hair loss, including mites, ringworm, and mange. If this is the case, it’s important to seek treatment from your vet.
Rashes: Dogs can break out in a rash or hives from insect bites, medications, or other environmental irritants.
Pressure sores: Older dogs or overweight dogs can get pressure sores from bony body parts that contact hard surfaces, such as the elbow. The consistent pressure creates a callous, which causes the skin to thicken and the hair to fall out.
- Allergies: Allergies can trigger itching and cause dogs to lick and bite, eventually losing hair in the irritated areas.
- Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s Disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that causes an overproduction of cortisol. The condition is very treatable, fortunately. Along with hair loss, Cushing’s may have symptoms like eating and drinking more, panting, and having a pot-bellied appearance.
- Genetics: Some breeds are prone to bald spots, such as dogs with short, thin coats like Chihuahuas, Whippets, Greyhounds, and Dachshunds. These bald spots are typically benign.
- Skin infection: Parasites and infections can lead to hair loss, including mites, ringworm, and mange. If this is the case, it’s important to seek treatment from your vet.
- Rashes: Dogs can break out in a rash or hives from insect bites, medications, or other environmental irritants.
- Pressure sores: Older dogs or overweight dogs can get pressure sores from bony body parts that contact hard surfaces, such as the elbow. The consistent pressure creates a callous, which causes the skin to thicken and the hair to fall out.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Itching
Odor
Skin irritation
Behavioral changes
Skin problems in more household pets or family members
Itching
Odor
Skin irritation
Behavioral changes
Skin problems in more household pets or family members
- Itching
- Odor
- Skin irritation
- Behavioral changes
- Skin problems in more household pets or family members
Conclusion
Hair loss in dogs can be concerning. It could be caused by something simple, or it could indicate an underlying condition. Only your vet can help you determine the appropriate treatment, but dog foods designed for skin and coat health can be beneficial while you address the cause. Our top pick is The Farmer’s Dog beef recipe for its fish oil and absence of chicken products.
For the best value, we’ve chosen American Journey Active Life Formula for its salmon and fish meal ingredients. Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is our premium choice for its quality fish and grains. For skin and coat health in puppies, choose Purina Pro Plan Development Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice with Probiotics Large Breed Puppy Food. Finally, our vet’s choice is Purina Pro Plan Select Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food.
Sources
Dog Food Dog Food Advisor The Farmers Dog Pets WebMD
Featured Image Credit: Irini Adler, Pixabay
- Dog Food
- Dog Food Advisor
- The Farmers Dog
- Pets WebMD
